Etymology · Old French
destachier
2 English words descend from Old French destachier, most common first.
- detachTo take apart from; to take off.
- staccatoAn articulation marking directing that a note or passage of notes are to be played in an abruptly disconnected manner, with each note sounding for a very short duration, and a short break lasting until the sounding of the next note; as opposed to legato. Staccato is indicated by a dot directly above or below the notehead.